Brit dies in E.coli outbreak after recall of Mrs Kirkham’s cheese sold in Waitrose and Christmas hampers with dozens ill

A BRIT has tragically died following an outbreak of E.coli as investigations into a recalled artisan cheese continue.

At least 30 people aged between seven and 31 have fallen ill with the disease.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) told The Sun Online one person has now sadly died.

They are understood to be from Scotland but no further information has been released.

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The Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced a recall of Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese because of possible contamination.

The affected products, which are sold separately or as part of a Christmas hamper, are found in Waitrose and Tesco.

Brits were warned not to eat them amid fears they were contaminated with a specific type of E.coli bacteria called Shiga toxin producing E.coli.

Also known as STEC, this pathogen can cause food poisoning and trigger symptoms such as severe diarrhoea that may have blood in it and tummy pain.

In some cases, the strain can cause haemolytic uremic syndrome – a potentially fatal condition that could lead to kidney failure.

Investigations are continuing into any potential link between the strain and the four cheeses, which were urgently pulled from shelves on Christmas Eve.

Mrs Kirkham’s Mild and Creamy Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Tasty Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Mature Lancashire and Mrs Kirkham’s Smoked Lancashire are suspected of being contaminated.

The No 1 Waitrose and Partners Farmhouse Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese has also been added to the recall list.

In a statement posted to the company website, Mrs Kirkhams said it would be recalling all products purchased between October 1 and December 24, 2023 as a “precaution”.

Tina Potter, the FSA’s head of incidents said: “We are aware that this recalled product may be popular over the festive period, especially as it has been sold as part of a Christmas gift hamper and so we are urging consumers to check whether they have bought or been gifted this product.”

She urged Brits not to eat the cheeses if they’ve bought them and to return them for a full refund.

The UKHSA warned anyone with symptoms not to prepare food for others for at least 48 hours until these stop.

Those who are unwell should also avoid visiting anyone in care homes or hospitals.

Amy Douglas, Incident Director for Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety Division at UKHSA, said: “There have been at least 30 confirmed cases of this specific outbreak strain of STEC in the UK.

“Symptoms of STEC include severe diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea), stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.

“If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing it on to family and friends over the festive period.

“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will help stop infections from spreading.

“Do not return to work or school once term restarts, until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.”